Nollywood actress Nse Ikpe Etim and Clifford Sule’s traditional wedding held on Thursday April 4th at St. Stephen Primary School, Ikot Etobon, Akwa Ibom State. Dressed in her traditional wedding attire, she danced happily to the tunes of singer, Waje as she met with her hubby. Apart from Waje, who’s one of Nse’s closest friends, also in attendance were Katherine Obiang, actor, Bishop Ume and few other dignitaries. See pictures below;

The Wedding Eve

The busy Akwa Ibom International Airport got busier when friends and family members of the couple started trooping in the night of Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Their flight from Lagos arrived Uyo few minutes past 8pm after which they lodged at the De Castle Home. The train had in it the parents of the groom and Nse’s siblings including Patrick, who just returned from the US, Tenyin, Nathan and Uyai. The other sister, Ini, was however, unavoidably absent.

The secret love nest

While the couple’s friends and family members were in the De Castle homes, Nse and hubby found rest in the more exotic Le Meridien hotel, Uyo where they passed the night before joining guests in the morning.

The D Day

The arrangement was for the train to head to the venue as early as possible but for certain hiccups that came up and resulted in over 5 hours delay. The train finally left at about 1pm and headed to Ikot Etobon.

Nse gets emotional

The emotional side of Nse gave way when in company of her husband, she visited the De Castle hotel and saw her immediate younger brother, Patrick. The six-footer cyclist had been away from the country for five years, hence, the torrents of tears that poured as Nse hugged him. Patrick, being the first son was to give his sister out in the absence of their late father.

The Party

The party began at 4pm with a welcome dance from the Ukopan cultural group. This was followed by a welcome address from the MC, Utang Akwa Ibom who proceeded to intimate the gathering of the reason behind the celebration. Few minutes after, the mother of the bride was introduced to all present. She danced round and greeted her in-laws. Reverend Ema’s prayer signified the commencement of the party proper. He spoke about the bride’s late father and asked for a one-minute silence in his honour.

Clifford leads the way

Excited Clifford was called upon at exactly 5:30pm and in the usual manner, he danced round the gathering before settling down in the shed to await his bride. Little drama ensued when two different came out, as is customary, pretending to be the bride. For each of the ‘bride’ that showed up, a bottle of wine was given by the groom’s family.

Nse shows up

Singer, Waje serenaded the actress as she danced to meet her husband. The two got prayers from their parents and later from the pastors present. They were later joined together in matrimony with prayers from both their parents and the pastors in attendance.

Weddings in the Ibibio tradition

According to Williams Mcbride, a taxi driver in Uyo and a native of Ikot Epene, weddings in the Ibibio tribe are usually elaborate and full of fun. He explained that key figures like the couple’s parents are expected to be present at the event. This shows their support for the union. Yards of clothes, food items and wines, he says are part of the items expected to be presented by the groom’s family. Prior to the day, the bride would have introduced the groom to the parents and there would have been an introduction between the two families.

Nollywood noticeably absent

Judging by the level of Nse Ikpe-Etim’s popularity, one would have expected the big names in Nollywood to be present at the event but this was not to be. Her close friends, Rita Dominic and Kate Henshaw, were reportedly on location in Calabar. This however did not seem to bother the bride as she smiled happily and made do with the trio of Bishop Ume, Waje and Katherine Obiang, the only three known faces at the event.

Who did what?

The small ceremony was put together by Event Etcetera, who planned and manage the event. Mekee Catering services provided the food and ‘small chops’ for the guests.

Honours for Nse’s late father

While the celebration was going on, one of Nse’s uncles stayed at home (directly opposite the venue) and soon started firing shots in the air. We gathered this was in respect of the actress’ late father, Patrick Ikpe–Etim.